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Support for local micro-entrepreneurship operations through the expansion of micro and small companies and the creation of new jobs in social economy entities. This call applies to the NUTS III Cávado region and aims to promote employment, reduce labour precariousness and support the economic and social development of the territory.
Programme Details
- Call reference: NORTE2030-2026-15
- Application period: From 01/07/2026 at 18:00 to 30/09/2026 at 18:00
- Eligible beneficiaries: Micro and small companies with an establishment in NUTS III Cávado and social economy entities
- Type of support: Non-refundable grant
- Support rate:
75% of eligible costs for projects located in low-density territories
65% of eligible costs for projects located in other territories
- Maximum number of applications: 1 application per beneficiary
- Maximum number of supported jobs: Up to 3 new jobs
- Maximum operation duration: Up to 36 months, subject to the applicable support period for each job
- Geographical scope: NUTS III Cávado
- Funding programme: Programa Regional do Norte 2021-2027 — NORTE 2030
- Indicative total allocation: €1,112,964.29
- Allocation for companies: €445,185.72Allocation for social economy entities: €667,778.57
About the Linha Fomento IFIC Mais
The Employment Creation and Micro-entrepreneurship — Cávado Intermunicipal Community (CIM) call supports the creation of new jobs linked to the expansion of existing companies or to the reinforcement of activity by social economy entities.
For companies, the support is aimed at micro and small companies that already have activity in the region, have submitted IES 2025 and have economic activity recorded in 2025 under the CAE relevant to the project.
Freelancers and liberal professionals are not eligible, as they are not considered eligible company legal forms for the purposes of this call.
Supported jobs must be:
- Created after the application is submitted;
- Based on a permanent employment contract;
- Full-time;
- Located physically in an establishment, branch or stable delegation in NUTS III Cávado;
- Associated with net job creation by the beneficiary entity.
How it works
The support is calculated using a Simplified Cost Options methodology. The total eligible cost corresponds to the eligible direct personnel costs, calculated through a unit cost, plus a fixed rate of 40% to cover other eligible costs related to the operation.
In practical terms:
- Total eligible cost = Eligible direct personnel costs x 140%
- The grant covers 75% or 65% of that amount, depending on the project location
- The beneficiary must secure the private contribution of 25% or 35%
An initial 10% advance payment may be requested after approval, provided that the acceptance term has been signed, the tax and social security situation is regularised, the IBAN is validated and the start of the operation is evidenced through the first eligible employment contract.
The remaining support is paid through reimbursement requests and the final balance.
Applications are assessed under the NORTE 2030 eligibility and selection criteria, including the socio-economic and environmental value of the project and its effectiveness and efficiency. Only applications with a final score of at least 3.00 points may be considered for ranking and funding, subject to the available budget.
Eligible activities
The call is limited to specific economic activities, and there must be evidence of activity and turnover in IES 2025 under the relevant CAE.
Eligible activities include:
- Extractive industries;
- Manufacturing industries, with specific exclusions;
- Accommodation and food service activities, only in low-density territories;
- Research and development — CAE 7210;
- Education;
- Human health and social work activities;
- Arts, sports and recreational activities;
- Other eligible service activities.
Main conditions to consider
To be eligible, the company or entity must meet several requirements, including:
- Having organised accounting or an adequate accounting system;
- Demonstrating a balanced economic and financial situation;
- Meeting the minimum financial autonomy requirement of 10% for companies;
- Demonstrating capacity to finance the operation;
- Ensuring net job creation;
- Maintaining all supported jobs until three months after the end of the operation;
- Ensuring that the jobs are performed in person and located in NUTS III Cávado.
Remote, online, hybrid or distance working arrangements are not eligible. Virtual incubation is also not eligible.
Jobs held by managers, directors, shareholders or persons who had an employment or management relationship with the company in the 12 months before the application are also excluded under the rules of the call.
Who can benefit
This incentive is particularly relevant for micro and small companies already established in the Cávado region that are planning to expand their activity through local hiring.
It may be suitable for companies that:
- Need to strengthen operational or technical teams;
- Have an active physical establishment in the region
- Operate under an eligible CAE;
- Can demonstrate net job creation;
- Have the financial capacity to cover the private contribution;
- Plan to hire eligible workers after submitting the application.
This call is less suitable for newly incorporated companies without IES 2025, freelancers, businesses without a physical establishment in the region, or business models based mainly on remote work.
Need More Information?
Understanding the rules and eligibility criteria of each instrument is essential to assess its relevance and potential impact within a company’s broader investment and financing strategy. For clarification or further information, reach out through our contact form.
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